Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Trip When Visiting Jacksonville, Florida

The River City

View of Main Street Bridge and Friendship Fountain, one of the largest self-contained fountains ever built. It is one of Jacksonville's most recognized attractions, displaying a colorful light show at night. | Source

Downtown Jacksonville

A photo of the Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville, FL | Source

Hidden Gems in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville is one of those places that you cannot judge just by looking at her from a quick glance. She makes you work to unveil a lot of the hidden gems that many of the residents have grown to love. I think that is a good thing because it encourages you to dig deep and to keep your eyes open for new things happening and fresh places to explore.

Even after years of living in Jacksonville, many residents still find they have not discovered all the diamonds that lie in the nooks and crannies of what makes up the River City. This may also be because new places are popping up constantly!

Riverside: One of Jacksonville's Treasures

Jacksonville, FL: An Affordable and Unique Travel Destination

I am one of those long-time residents still discovering all the hidden pieces that make J-ville worth getting to know. I have grown to love this city more as I grow older and I suppose, wiser. Jacksonville has a lot of potential and much to offer.

I thought it would be worth sharing for anyone considering a travel destination that is unique and affordable. I believe you will get your money's worth visiting Jacksonville, especially with some tips on places to explore and ways to prepare for your visit!

Grab Some Sunglasses For Your Jacksonville Trip

Snapshot of Jacksonville, FL: My Favorite Things About the River City

Why should I visit Jacksonville? What's in it for me?

Allow me to satisfy your curiosity. Let's dive right into the many reasons why I have love for my hometown. Here are some of my favorite things I enjoy about the city and reasons you should tour the New Bold City of the South:

Warm weather

Sunny, blue skies

Water...everywhere - perfect for water-lovers

Plenty of beautiful scenery

Parks: Jacksonville operates the largest urban park system in the USA

Free events

Art

Food

Budget-friendly

Family-friendly

Diversity

Traffic is not as bad as other big cities

Big city but maintains a small-town feel (Jacksonville has the largest land mass in the nation - over 800 square miles)

Jacksonville, Home to Art, Gardens, Beautiful Scenery

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"The gardens are unique in Florida and the southeast, representing the history of American landscape design in the first four decades of the 20th century" (National Register of Historic Places). | Source

An abundance of flowers, plants, trees and nature scenes are scattered throughout the city. | Source

Some parks, such as Riverside Park, are adorned with their own bountiful gardens. | Source

Picture-perfect scenery is common around Jacksonville. Bring your kids and cameras for a memorable time in the River City! | Source

A mural on the outside of CoRK Arts District (Corner of Rosselle and King), an art gallery located in Riverside. | Source

Trip to Jacksonville, FL

Have you ever been to Jacksonville?

Bring An Open Mind and A Sense of Adventure

Now that I am a wife and a parent, I have discovered that Jacksonville has plenty to offer when it comes to things to do. I like that there are so many places I have yet to experience here because that means more things to uncover! A lot of activities are affordable and places like museums and the zoo, offer discounts and free admission on certain days. Check in advance before you go!

Jacksonville has plenty if you do your research, are willing to try new things and have an open mind!

Many places here, including, restaurants, zoo, museums, theaters and entertainment, offer free or discounted admission on certain days. Just check in advance so you can plan accordingly. The site, Jax4kids.com offers plenty of information on family-friendly things to do all around town.

Jacksonville: Home to Various Parks and Nature Trails

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Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens offers many nature trails, creeks and free programs to learn more about nature and animal. They also offer volunteer opportunities to help maintain the park. | Source

Another gem of Jacksonville: Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a peaceful place to take walks, enjoy nature and take photos. | Source

Memorial Park, a popular park located on the Riverside in Jacksonville. It has a beautiful view of the St.John's River and so many people like to fish at this park. You'll often find families, joggers and people walking their dogs here. | Source

Bring Your Appetite! Check Out These Places to Eat in Jacksonville:

Breakfast/Brunch

Lunch/Dinner

Cafe/Coffee

Dessert/Treats

Metro Diner (American)

Biscottis (European, Modern American)

Bold Bean Coffee Roasters

Sweet Theory (Vegan, Gluten-free, Allergy-free)

The Fox Restaurant (American)

Black Sheep (American)

Sippers Coffee

Biscottis

Cool Moose Cafe and Bistro (American)

Tres Leche (Spanish)

Three Layers

French Pantry

Tres Leche (Spanish)

Kickbacks (American)

Cool Moose Cafe

Florida Creamery

French Pantry (French, bakery)

Restuarant Orsay (French, dinner only)

Coffee Grinder

Maple Stree Biscuit Company (American)

River City Brewing Co. (Seafood, American)

Coffee Roasters of Florida

Black Sheep (Contemporary American)

Bowl of Pho (Vietnamese)

River City Brewing Co. (Seafood, American)

Chomp Chomp (chef-inspired street food)

Biscottis (European, Modern American)

Kickbacks Gastropub (Modern American)

BB's (American)

TacoLu (Mexican)

13 Gypsies (Spanish, Tapas)

Matthews Restaurant (American)

Hawkers Asian Street Fare (Asian Fusion, Tapas)

Burrito Gallery (Mexican)

Casbah Cafe (Mediterranean, Hookah Lounge)

Jacksonville: Home to Assorted Food

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Florida Creamery is tucked away in Avondale. They not only offer various desserts, candy and treats but serve food like hot dogs, too! | Source

Florida Creamery in Avondale | Source

Biscottis is also snuggled up in Avondale, serving delicious meals and dessert. | Source

Biscottis in Avondale | Source

Hidden in the south side of Jax, French Pantry is a bakery that often has a line dripping out the doors. The tasty food, however, is worth the wait. | Source

Sweet Theory Baking Co. is easy to miss if you do not know where to look. This is a quaint, vintage-decorated bakery in Riverside where all food are vegan-friendly, gluten and allergy-free. | Source

Jacksonville Food Trucks

Food trucks are also a fun way to experience food here in Jacksonville. There are multiple food trucks that are part of events, daily lunch and dinner around town. Visit eatdrinkjax.com to learn more. Track them down for good food when you are in town!

Jacksonville: Home to Beaches, Sun and Sand

Bring Proper Attire and Accessories

Leave your heavy coats at home! Most likely, especially when you are here March-December, you will not need it. The weather here is typically warm year-round. We do get a breeze coming in from the water that surrounds our city, including the St.Johns River, (which stretches for 310 miles), so you will be certain to see it flowing through the city and the cool breeze usually sweeps in with it. The multiple beaches also offer some solace from the sunny weather. Parks are scattered in abundance throughout the city, too and many of them have a view of the river and a wealth of trees for shade.

You can make a nice vacation just hanging out at the parks and beaches.

Here are some tips on things to wear and bring to prepare for a visit in this town:

Interested in Ghosts and Pirates? Something Else to Explore in Jax!

Jacksonville: Home to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

On May 12, 2014, the zoo will be celebrating its centennial anniversary! | Source

Bring Your Camera and Capture Memories

Photography is one of my hobbies and I have grown addicted to taking pictures since having children.

A favorite thing about Jacksonville for me now is the many photo-opportunities that you can find here. From the Downtown skyline, beaches, river, lakes, creeks, parks, buildings and to the lesser known, tiny spaces...the scene of opportunities are almost endless. So, bring a good camera and snap away while you explore Jacksonville!

Stop by my blog to see and learn more about things to do in Jacksonville, FL

More Information About One Spark

Jacksonville: Home to One Spark, World's First Crowdfunding Festival

Something extremely unique to Jacksonville is the huge crowdfunding festival: One Spark. The first one was held last year and this year, it is being held again in April (9-13). It is a festival hosted in Downtown Jacksonville, occupying a 20 square block to showcase the passions of innovators, entrepreneurs, artists and musicians.

The festival's goals are to connect creators' ideas with resources. These creators will be highlighting their craft whether it be art, science, technology or music. Whatever their craft or project may be, this event provides them the opportunity to demonstrate what they are ultimately "creating" to gain support through funds from the public and through investors that will be a part of this momentous event.

You do not need to attend physically to vote. You can register to vote and donate online to the creators you wish to support. During the festival, there will be plenty of entertainment, food and after parties, as well. A win-win for all who come to share, experience and connect!

Enjoy Nightlife and Sports in J-Ville

Jax is home to the football stadium, Everbank Field, situated in Downtown. | Source

Black Sheep is a stylish restaurant that has a rooftop bar above it, perfect to have a drink with some friends or a romantic evening under the open, night sky. | Source

Bring Your Family, Friends or Special Someone

Traveling is always better when you can share the experience with others. There are many cities where it is best to leave the kids and elderly parents or grandparents at home. Not Jacksonville - bring those youngsters and oldies on over! I love the fact that there are plenty of free and discounted activities for young children and older folk.

Bring your friends and significant other, too. Enjoy a nice day or night out. Jacksonville has an array of bars, wine bars, lounges, clubs and evening events for a fun night out with good friends or a romantic evening with that special someone.

Here are some websites that provide more details on events and places to go around town:

Read More About Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville: Home to Photogenic Views

A view from Mandarin Park, which offers great photo-taking opportunities. It has a boat ramp so you can bring your boat right onto the water to enjoy the day and snap photos. | Source

A view from Stinson Park, a nice park to take photos of the boats, green scenery and river. | Source

The city is surrounded by lively colors, making it a vibrant place to snap vivid pictures. | Source

Jacksonville: My Home ...and Maybe Your Next Vacation Stop?

Sometimes, I want to take a trip to a place that is not bustling with the normal tourist crowds nor spend a lot to see expensive attractions. If you feel the same, Jacksonville may be the place to visit!

Your city and your travel destination is what you make it. Jacksonville is a city that can feel more like home but can still make for an interesting, valuable vacation, even if it is just while you are passing through on the way to St. Augustine or Orlando. Discover the hidden gems here - grab a bite to eat, check out some free events or visit a museum or the zoo.

Remember, if you want a good value-priced travel destination that has something for everyone, this is the place to go ... without having to spend much!

You Might Also Like These Hubs with More Info On Things To Do in Jacksonville

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Fun Things to do to Celebrate MomMother's Day is coming up fast. Do you have a plan or do you need more ideas to celebrate Mom's special day? Check out these suggestions for things to do that Mom will appreciate.

National Walk in the Park DayMarch 30th is National Walk in the Park Day. This article explores the many benefits of walking and visiting parks, accompanied with some photos of parks in Jacksonville, FL.

Comments

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AUTHOR

Bernadyn

4 years agofrom Jacksonville, Florida

I'm glad you found this then! The best time for visitors is probably Spring and Summer when there's a lot of events and you can enjoy the water.

Elliott Raggio

4 years agofrom Hove

oh i am so thankful that i bumped into your hub..great destination me thinks...

AUTHOR

Bernadyn

4 years agofrom Jacksonville, Florida

It's definitely not Orlando but it is a great place to visit, especially if you know where to get food and some good places to check out. There are really tasty restaurants to dine here and the ones here represent some of them. Thanks for reading!

Janis

4 years agofrom California

I have been to Florida before, but not here. It looks like it would be a wonderful place to visit. Great that you gave the dining recommendations.

AUTHOR

Bernadyn

4 years agofrom Jacksonville, Florida

Sure, you are welcome! It's a more laid back setting than the main tourist spots here in Florida but still has the beaches and sunny Florida feel that attract most tourists...and not as costly to visit here. :)

Bill Holland

4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

I've never been to Florida, so thanks for the tour. Maybe some day. :)

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